The Upsides of Working Downtown

It was a few years ago when a blog post on GS&P Dialogue discussed the revival of retail in U.S. downtowns. The article explained that a strong retail component is integral to the success of any urban core and that commercial establishments, at their best, make a city center much more appealing. I don’t think anyone would argue that point. Many of our country’s most thriving downtowns – like New York City and Chicago – are retail destinations unto themselves. But I’d like to spend a little time today talking about another essential ingredient to a thriving downtown, which goes hand in hand with retail: business.

More than ever, people are seeking what only an urban core can offer. Let’s explore in more detail a couple of the most significant benefits to working downtown:

Proximity to important people and places
Downtown is the power center of many cities. Using Nashville as an example, the state capitol building is in the heart of the urban core, just a few steps from condos, office high-rises, hotels, restaurants and parks. Downtown is also the heart of city government. On any given day, there are thousands of state and city employees, as well as political leaders, walking to and from work and other destinations in the city center. Downtown Nashville is also a hub for major players in the banking and legal industries, and it’s a short walk or drive from several universities and medical campuses. All of this activity creates a strong and reliable economic engine and offers a big incentive to the companies that are located downtown. The urban core is home to a critical mass of political and financial power, and there’s no disadvantage to being so close to those important people and places.

Quality of life and convenience
Downtown also offers social inspiration, diversity of thought and convenience. The United States is regarded as a melting pot, and I believe that diversity is most evident in city centers. Just this week in downtown Nashville, there is an international soccer match, a bluegrass concert, symphony performances, a contemporary art exhibit, a poetry discussion and cooking classes. If that’s not enough, there are plenty of parks to enjoy the sunshine, a bike-share program to help you explore the city, and a seemingly endless selection of restaurants and music venues.

Additionally, downtowns offer a dynamic environment with a 24/7 lifecycle that includes options for working, living and playing, all close together and conveniently accessed – no commute necessary. Businesses with a downtown presence are a major piece of the puzzle. When companies choose to locate in downtown, they’re also choosing to offer their employees the quality-of-life amenities, accessibility and conveniences that come with it.

The growing popularity of downtown, as a place to build your home, to build your career and to spend your free time (and money), is clear. People are getting tired of commutes, so they’re ditching the suburbs for the city, and businesses are following suit. If more and more employees are living and playing downtown, it makes sense for companies to also be a part of that same energy and lifestyle. If an urban location improves employee morale and supports business growth, it’s hard to see any downside to downtown.

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Jason Boyll is a senior designer in GS&P’s Atlanta office, serving the Transportation market. He has more than 15 years of electrical design experience in the transportation and architectural, engineering, and construction (AEC) industries with eight years specializing in roadway lighting.

Gresham, Smith and Partners is a privately held firm of architects, engineers, interior designers and planners creating design and consulting solutions for the built environment. Our more than 800 employees are committed to building value with our clients as trusted advisors and to making positive social, economic and environmental impacts in our communities. In 2017, GS&P proudly celebrates 50 years in business. We look forward to continuing to serve our clients while fostering the professional and personal growth of our employees.